En ran to the corner of the courtyard and retrieved the item: a black bag. As soon as Torifu saw it, he knew what was inside. En handed the bag to Torifu, smiling. "Torifu Nii-san, these are the ores my father asked me to give you. He said you needed them."
Torifu took the bag and nodded. "Yes, they're exactly what I need. Thank you."
En scratched his head, a little shy. "Oh, it's nothing. I just ran an errand."
The Oyashirō clan had prospered significantly over the past three years because Oyashirō Tsuki had led some clan members back to the original Hell Valley to collect rare ores. This allowed them to pay off Konoha's loan in just one year, and they now even had substantial savings. However, while these ores were profitable, the clan members' expenses were even greater. Healing their bodies required large amounts of medicine, and money flowed out like water. But Tsuki didn't feel any pain over it; after all, clan members were the foundation of the family. If there were no clan members left, what good was all that money? Of course, the Kumotsuru Clan was an exception.
Fortunately, with large sums of money spent, the Oyashirō clan members' health had greatly improved. Younger males could now go out on missions to supplement the family income. It could be considered a successful operation. Tsuki knew that Hell Valley was still quite dangerous, and they couldn't develop it relying solely on their old, weak, and ailing family members. So, they partnered with the Senju clan, giving up the major share. This not only ensured safety but also spared the clan members from overworking. Although Hell Valley was currently still forgotten by the Land of Lightning, conflicts would inevitably erupt if someone discovered its mineral resources. Therefore, this was a wise choice. Moreover, just transporting the ores from Hell Valley back to Konoha Village was enough to exhaust several clan members.
The Senju clan, with its vast holdings, naturally didn't lack this bit of ore business. However, Hashirama had intentionally supported the Oyashirō clan. Furthermore, the entry of these rare ores into Konoha could indirectly enhance Konoha's strength. It was a win-win-win situation, so there was no reason to refuse. To this day, the ore collection in Hell Valley proceeded smoothly, and no one had set foot in Hell Valley, indicating that the people of the Land of Lightning truly feared it.
In short, the Oyashirō people no longer had to worry about money. Their only task was to maintain their health. With the pressure reduced, life naturally became happier. Many newborns had also arrived, and the entire family was in an upward phase. Torifu wanted these ores mainly for Amado to practice with. He had mentioned it to Tsuki some time ago but hadn't found the time to pick them up. It was a bit embarrassing to have Tsuki's son deliver them.
"Are you two sparring?"
Dan nodded. "Yes, we have a combat training class tomorrow, so we're practicing beforehand, to prevent getting beaten by others."
Dan's remark suddenly reminded Torifu of his own combat training class back then. At that time, Uchiha Kyō tried to kill him but failed and was instead caught in the backlash. Because of that incident, he was resented by Uchiha Setsuna and also taken as a disciple by the Hokage. Thinking about it now, the Uchiha clan's rebellion seemed to have been single-handedly brought about by him! He had caused the deaths of their two grandsons; how could they not rebel? Torifu could only explain it as a coincidence; everything was a coincidence.
"Very good, very good. Train hard and aim for first place tomorrow."
"Yes!" the two children said in unison.
Seeing their high spirits, Torifu didn't bother them further and returned home with Amado. Amado actually wanted to spar with Dan and En, but he was too full from eating and wasn't suitable for physical activity, so he had no choice but to give up.
"Tomorrow, I'll find the blacksmith to refine these ores, and then you'll have free rein. You can use them however you like."
Amado said joyfully, "Alright!" Before, he had always used wood for his creations, which, though convenient, was too fragile. Fine parts would easily break. Metal was more suitable.
Today's meal was very early, not at a typical mealtime. Normally, after finishing dinner, one would be preparing for bed, but it was still broad daylight. With nothing to do at home, Torifu decided to visit the Hokage's office to see if Tobirama had any next steps in mind. After instructing Amado, Torifu left the compound.
The streets were bustling with pedestrians, more numerous than three years ago, with many new faces. These people had only recently joined Konoha Village and were naturally unfamiliar with Torifu, which suited him perfectly. Not being recognized saved him from many unnecessary greetings. Torifu had expected to reach the Hokage Building without incident, but unexpectedly, he encountered an acquaintance. That person, upon seeing Torifu, enthusiastically greeted him.
"Hey, Torifu, are you going to see the Hokage-sama?"
"Yes, Shishin-nii. What are you up to?"
Shishin chuckled. "Just out for a stroll. I didn't expect to run into you, Torifu."
The person he met was none other than the head of the Hyuga clan's Main House, Hyuga Shishin. He was probably the youngest clan head in Konoha Village besides Torifu himself. The old Hyuga clan head had died unexpectedly two years prior. On the day of the funeral, all the clan heads and elders from every family attended, showing immense respect. After the clan head's death, Hyuga Shishin, as the heir, naturally became the new clan head. His younger brother also inherited the position of the Branch House head, but their brotherly relationship remained the same. Hyuga Kiharu did not appear overjoyed at becoming the Branch House head; he still wore the same expression Torifu had first seen him with: hollow, numb, as if his soul had long since died.
Shishin felt immense heartache over his brother's condition. And then, last year, when Shishin's two children were born, his resolve became even stronger. He named his elder son Hiashi and his younger son Hizashi; they had just turned one this year. Shishin loved both his children equally and was utterly unwilling for them to suffer the same pain he and his brother endured. Although he hadn't been branded with the Caged Bird, his heart was tormented constantly. Fortunately, the children had just been born, so there was no need to worry about this matter yet. But when the time came for a decisive break, he alone couldn't deal with all the elders in the clan. At that point, he could only ask Torifu for help; this was something they had agreed upon years ago.
Torifu chuckled. "I ate a bit early, and I have a lot of free time with nothing to do, so I thought I'd go find the Hokage-sama to see if there's anything I can help with."